Formative Evaluation of the NCA Emergency Preparedness Response Sector in Greater Darfur

Background:
The EPRU (Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit) is a coordinating unit for emergency humanitarian response for NCA DP, started in 2004. EPR sector has provided humanitarian support in form of NFIs to estimated annual average of 60,000 households in both South and West Darfur. Most of the beneficiaries of this assistance include IDPs, new arrivals / displacements, fire cases, flood cases, winterization replacement, and vulnerable persons.

The sector works closely in collaboration and coordination with HAC, INGOs, UN and other agencies operating in the programme target areas. To respond to these unpredictable circumstances, the sector sets aside resources for any unforeseen emergencies that may arise. This fund is used to purchase NFIs, provide water, assemble an emergency response team or cover any other costs that might be incurred in responding to a sudden emergency within the programme areas of operation. The sector retains a buffer stock of NFIs for unforeseeable new emergencies on annual basis.

In 2011, the buffer stock was increased to 5000 NFI kits to reflect the trend of increased displacement that were witnessed during 2010. The unit enjoys access to the UN logistics pipeline where necessary. Twice a year the sector distributes replenishment NFIs to existing caseloads in camps in coordination with UNJLC. In western Darfur, it’s important to note that, EPR sector is the primary distributor of such assistance in Zalingie camps.

Purpose/ Objective:
The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the relevance, efficiency, sustainability, effectiveness and impact of the EPR of the NCA DP. The evaluation report will be used as an accountability tool to not only donors but all program stakeholders, communities inclusive. Furthermore, the report will detail impact of EPR work and document lessons learnt in implementation, to be used as baselines to demonstrate NCA DP emergency contributions to the humanitarian situation in Darfur.

NCA DP will also use the evaluation report for re-aligning and redesigning emergency response sector within the program for effective delivery of programs i.e. improving emergency planning, implementations and informing management decisions on humanitarian emergency response.

Methodology:
The evaluation will make use of both qualitative and quantitative methods that will inform stakeholders, partners and donors on the progress of interventions made by EPR sector.

Key Findings:
According to the Evaluators, targeting for new arrivals has been almost exclusively highly effective and efficient under the given constrains and NCA has profoundly met its own standards for providing immediate responses at the start of the crisis and continued on the same level despite the limited resources at its disposal.

As the coming situation is foreseen, EPRU is to be prepared for the worst by strengthening its technical and operational capacity and by increasing the number of its emergency staff and building its capacity.

The Evaluators found the NFI distributions in camps to be relevant and appropriate although insufficient in terms of coverage. Moreover, the quality of distributed NFIs was not found satisfactory. Analysis of beneficiary needs and priority settings showed changing needs over time to early recovery and development phases rather than NFI emergency responses. Such needs include income generating activities, in addition to education and health services.

Evaluators suggest adopting an integrated and holistic approach in emergency that embraces concepts from emergency to recovery and development. To make this a reality, all NCA DP sectors are to be involved in the reforming of the ‘new body’ rather than to confine EPRU only to NFI distributions. Innovative means and ways such as SME support and FFW (Food for work) programmes can be thought of.

Recommendations:
• Technical and operational capacity of NCA and EPRU is to be upgraded by introducing relevant institutional organizational structures supported by appropriate staff with good experience in emergency responses and livelihoods.
• Much attention is to be given to documentation of all NCA and EPRU activities including partners (SCC, SUDO and Sudan aid) to make use of lessons learned.
• Training and upgrading of field staff in branch offices is essential to develop their skills base, particularly in emergency planning, monitoring and evaluation. The World Bank Institute offers excellent E-learning courses on capacity development which could be contacted for this purpose.
• Formation of NGO groups to promote improved livelihoods such as income generating activities for the displaced with less emphasis on emergency assistance aid, and diversify early recovery responses to grab new opportunities for peace after years of conflict.

Comments from Norwegian Church Aid (if any):
The report is still to be discussed by the DP Senior Management Team.